Cyna shares 2nd in WWGA elims

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning Philippine Amateur Ladies Open champion Cyna Rodriguez fired a two-under 70 for joint second place at the start of the 11th WWGA (Women’s Western Golf Association) National Amateur Championship at the Rochester Golf and Country Club in Rochester, Minnesota Monday.

Rodriguez, who routed the field to capture the RP Ladies Open title last January, rallied at the backside of the 37-35 layout with a three-under 32 for that 70 in a tie with Arizona’s Juliana Ortiz, just two shots adrift of Amy Anderson of North Dakota, who shot a four-under 68.

Mia Piccio matched par 72 for a share of fourth with Lauren Mielbrecht of Florida, Andie Unson carded a 73 while Dottie Ardina had three-over 75 for joint 14th as the ICTSI-backed bets turned in decent rounds in the first round of the 36-hole stroke play qualifier.

The top 64 players after two rounds will advance to the match play phase with Ardina out to atone for her failed bid in last year’s finale where she lost to Taylore Karle of Arizona, 2&1, in a 36-hole duel.

Although Ardina struggled a bit with a 37-38 card, the 16-year-old spearhead of the ICTSI golf team remains confident of her chances, coming off a big finish in last week’s US Girls Junior Amateur Championship sectional elims to qualify for the tournament proper slated July 19-24 in North Carolina.